Jasper National Park is a wildlife lover's paradise. The park boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, from majestic grizzly bears to elusive mountain goats. To help you make the most of your wildlife viewing experience, we've put together a list of the best places to see wildlife in Jasper.

1. Maligne Lake Road: Maligne Lake Road is one of the best places to see wildlife in Jasper. This 44 km scenic drive takes you through some of the park's most picturesque landscapes and offers plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, and bighorn sheep. Remember to drive slowly and pull over safely to observe wildlife from a distance.
2. Athabasca Falls: Athabasca Falls is not only a stunning natural attraction, but it's also a great spot for wildlife viewing. Elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep are often seen grazing in the area. Be sure to stay on the designated trails and viewing platforms and maintain a safe distance from the wildlife.
3. Jasper Townsite: Don't overlook the townsite of Jasper when it comes to wildlife viewing. Elk are commonly seen grazing on the town's outskirts, while black bears and coyotes have been known to roam the streets at night. Remember to keep a safe distance and never approach wildlife, no matter how tempting it may be.
4. Pyramid Lake Road: Pyramid Lake Road is a scenic drive that offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Look for bighorn sheep and mountain goats perched on the rocky slopes above the road. Be sure to use pullouts to safely observe wildlife from a distance.
5. Maligne Valley: Maligne Valley is a wildlife hotspot in Jasper National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for black bears, grizzly bears, moose, and caribou as you explore the valley. Remember to stay on designated trails and maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
6. Icefields Parkway: This 230-kilometer scenic drive between Jasper and Banff National Parks is known for its stunning views and abundant wildlife. Some spots to look out for include the Columbia Icefield, Bow Lake, Sunwapta Falls, Peyto Lake, and Athabasca Glacier. Remember to follow the safety guidelines outlined earlier while exploring wildlife along the Icefields Parkway.

Wildlife Viewing Guidelines:

While it's exciting to see wildlife up close, it's important to remember that these animals are wild and can be dangerous. Follow these safety guidelines and responsible wildlife viewing practices to ensure your safety and the safety of the animals:
• Keep a safe distance of at least 100 meters (300 feet) from bears and wolves, and 30 meters (100 feet) from all other wildlife.
• Never approach wildlife, even if they appear calm and docile.
• Use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to observe wildlife from a safe distance.
• Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms.
• Do not feed wildlife or leave food scraps behind.
• If you encounter a bear, stay calm, speak calmly, and back away slowly. Do not run or turn your back on the bear.
• Respect wildlife closures and avoid areas where wildlife is known to be present, especially during mating or calving season.
• Always bring bear spray and educate yourself on how to use it before going out into the wild.

How to properly use bear spray:

Bear spray is available for purchase or rental at outdoor equipment stores in Jasper. It's important to bring bear spray with you whenever you're exploring the backcountry. Make sure to pack it in an easily accessible location so you can quickly access it if needed.

If you encounter a bear, the first step is to stay calm and assess the situation. If the bear is not aware of your presence, slowly and quietly back away without turning your back on the bear. If the bear has noticed you, speak calmly and assertively to let the bear know you're there.
If the bear approaches you aggressively, it's time to use your bear spray. Here's how to use it:
• Remove the safety clip from the spray canister.
• Hold the canister with both hands, aiming it at the bear's head if it's charging at you. Make sure to keep the canister upright.
• Press down on the nozzle to release a cloud of spray.
• Spray in short bursts to create a wall of spray between you and the bear.
• If the bear continues to charge, spray again.
3. Practice using bear spray: It's important to practice using bear spray before you hit the trails. Find an open area and simulate a bear encounter so you can get comfortable using the spray. Remember that the spray canister should be held with both hands, and the nozzle should be pointed at the bear's head if it's charging.
4. Bear spray as a last resort: Bear spray should only be used as a last resort. It's important to always carry bear spray with you, but do your best to avoid bears in the first place. Make noise as you hike to alert bears to your presence, and avoid hiking alone in areas known to have high bear activity.
By bringing bear spray and practicing how to use it, you can enjoy a safer wildlife viewing experience in Jasper National Park.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a safe and memorable wildlife viewing experience in Jasper National Park.